If you’re trying to sell your house this winter, be ready for a challenge. However, it’s important to know that even though we are in a down real estate market, houses are still selling. Winter is no exception. Yes, you have to sell your home in winter, the slowest and dreariest sales season of all, but there are still buyers out there!

You can use staging, the reduced competition and some seasonal opportunities to your advantage. With that said, it’s important to know the reality. The period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is the slowest time of year for home shopping as people focus on family and holidays. January and February see the fewest home sale closings, according to the National Association of Realtors, with the market not fully gearing up until April and May. Another big factor: Homebuyers with children generally time their purchases so moving doesn’t interfere with the school year.

But again, sometimes a job transfer, lease or personal circumstances require plunging into making a sale in the dead of winter. Remember, there are still buyers out there. And a December or January buyer will most likely be a good, solid, serious buyer, who wants to get a house in a hurry. Although that means fewer buyers in most areas, as a seller you’ll have a chance to stand out in a thinned-out field of competitors.

Local realtors say, make sure your house is show ready! A thorough cleaning and getting rid of clutter are equally essential. Tidying up the yard and touching up the exterior appearance to improve the curb appeal also can make the difference between deal or no deal.

In a slow market, nothing counts more than pricing aggressively. Check recent sale prices in your neighborhood and price your home competitively. Think warm and cozy. Rearranging the furniture and applying a fresh coat of paint to any room in need are important. But to convey a cozy impression in winter, it may benefit you to turn up the thermostat and have a fire in the fireplace for open houses. It will give you an edge over the many vacant homes on the market. Experts say, staging may in fact be even more important in winter. Remember, cozy sells!

Also, here’s an idea. Displaying photos of how your property looks in summer is a good idea. Some staging experts also recommend decorating with warm colors such as deep orange or crimson. Leave all lights on, inside and outside. It will make your home look warmer and more inviting! Last but not least, make sure all walkways are clear and free of snow and ice. It’s not only necessary for safety reasons, it shows potential buyers that you take pride in your home! Good luck!